CO-CURRICULAR 138 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 CO-CURRICULAR (STAGE 3) Mr J Locke Head of Co-Curricular (Stage 3) This year, the Junior School’s co-curricular program has once again provided an exciting array of opportunities for our students. Filled with the usual highs and lows of competition, the year can best be summarised by the word “wet.” From Term 1 through Term 3, persistent rain often disrupted our plans, particularly on Friday afternoons leading into game days. The impact was significant, with 112 games washed out during the winter season alone, from a total of 324 scheduled games across all codes. Despite these challenges, our boys displayed remarkable resilience, seizing every opportunity to compete whenever the weather allowed. Fortunately, our cultural activities remained unaffected by the rain. The debaters, chess players, and Junior School Justice groups continued their pursuits undeterred by the elements. Week after week, our chess players demonstrated strategic mastery, engaging in challenging matches. Similarly, our debaters, competing internally this year, showcased their ability to craft well-reasoned arguments and engage in spirited discussions. Meanwhile, the Junior School Justice Group worked tirelessly to foster a happier, more inclusive school environment. The three major carnivals—Cross Country, Athletics, and Swimming— were once again highlights of the Junior School calendar. Rain did disrupt the Athletics Carnival, forcing a postponement, but the passion and enthusiasm of the boys shone through at every event. From war cries to personal best performances, the spirit of the house competition was palpable. This year, Berg House claimed victory in both the Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals, while Rice House emerged triumphant in the Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to all the houses for their efforts and sportsmanship. With the competition being so close this year, next year promises to be just as thrilling. The summer sports season presented mixed results for the Junior School. The introduction of Touch Football stretched our player pool across summer sports, but the boys embraced the new opportunity with enthusiasm, ensuring a promising future for the sport. While many teams narrowly missed out on victory, the spirit of St Patrick’s was evident as the boys played with determination and fairness each weekend. Despite a challenging Term 1, with limited preparation time and early-season washouts, the Junior School achieved a 50% win-loss ratio. Notable successes included three undefeated teams: Prep L Basketball, Prep B Touch Football, and Softball A. Winter sports once again proved to be a stronghold for the Junior School. Under the expert guidance of Head of Rugby, Mr Macquire Tatola, and Head of Football, Mr Jason Falzon, the boys delivered outstanding performances. Early signs of success were evident during the traditional Armidale Rugby and Brisbane Football tours, where the Rugby boys topped their pool and the Football teams celebrated a third consecutive win. Throughout the season, teams in Rugby, Football, and AFL showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship. While there were no undefeated Rugby teams, they all performed competitively. Football teams, however, achieved an amazing set of results, with 12 teams remaining unbeaten. Special congratulations to Prep A, Prep B, Prep C, Prep D, Prep E, Prep F1, Prep F3, Prep F5, 5A2, 5E1, 5F1, and 10C Football teams for completing the season undefeated. These results highlight a promising future for our Senior School programs. This year, 17 boys from the Junior School achieved representative honours across six sports, spanning IPSHA, CIS, and NSW representation. Special recognition goes to Christian Boutros (Football) and Jonah Ayoub and Joseph Youssef (Rugby Union), who reached NSW-level representation. These young athletes exemplified the values of St Patrick’s, representing their College and families with distinction. I extend my thanks to Mr Anthony Calavassy (Director of Co-Curricular) and Mr Sam Boggs (Head of Sport) for their invaluable support in ensuring the smooth running of the co-curricular program. I also acknowledge the dedication of the Sports Office staff, whose efforts enable our Junior School sportsmen to excel. A special thank you goes to the parents and carers for their commitment—your support, from Berg House – To the Victor Go the Spoils Football – Relaxing at Tournament’s End Hanrahan – The Thrill of a Win Rugby – Support and Determination transporting boys to training and games to cheering on the sidelines, is deeply appreciated. Lastly, I express my gratitude to our coaches and Junior School staff for their tireless efforts in preparing and guiding the boys, ensuring their development both on and off the field. As the year draws to a close, I extend my best wishes to our Year 6 students as they transition into Stage 4 and embrace the next phase of their journey at St Patrick’s. I look forward to witnessing their continued growth and accomplishments. I am confident that the current Year 5 cohort will step up to build on the strong foundation left by their predecessors, continuing to uphold and enhance our reputation in 2025. I eagerly anticipate the challenges and achievements that the coming year will bring.
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